Extra Services

Locals want government to fix old American housing

Date Posted: 2006-08-25

Plumbing problems in old housing originally built for American servicemen are prompting current owners to ask the government to make—and pay for—repairs.

The Awase Housing Area was home to hundreds of US families prior to Okinawa’s reversion to Japan in 1972. Since then, the Okinawa City areas of Takahara and Hiyame have been transformed into local neighborhoods owned by Okinawans. The plumbing in those homes is failing. “Before, there were no sewers in Okinawa City,” said one resident, “so we had to pay the sewage disposal tanks or drainage from the American military by ourselves. Actually, it should be paid by the states, and we’re asking the Diet to check.”

Drainage pipes and sewage systems are failing in the 1960’s era housing. The area has operated with city subsidy money, and Okinawa City has been responsible for handling sewage disposal and replacement of broken drainage pipes. The question now being raised is whether residents who bought the homes from real estate brokers are entitled to reimbursement by the government.